Since I love art, I wanted to create something related to it and began thinking about an art mystery involving lost artworks. Eventually, I came up with the idea of 100 lost Picasso paintings.

Beatrix Koch – 5 April 2025

The Back Flap

A lost Picasso collection. A century-old secret. A love that defies time.

2050, French Riviera – Art historian Marilyn Hendrickson never imagined that accepting an invitation to an isolated villa in Antibes would lead her into the greatest mystery of her career. Hidden within its walls lies a collection of Picasso’s lost paintings, forgotten for over a century. But these masterpieces hold more than just artistic value—they conceal a secret that could change history forever.

Before she can fully grasp the implications, Marilyn is pulled into 1920s Paris, where she comes face-to-face with Pablo Picasso himself. Suddenly, she is no longer just an observer of history—she is living it. But with every answer she uncovers, new dangers arise, and Marilyn must navigate the world of Picasso’s inner circle, torn between the past and her own future.

About the book

What is the book about?

Picasso’s Hidden Legacy delves into one of the most captivating mysteries in the art world—the hidden collection of Pablo Picasso. This book chronicles the discovery of a hundred previously unknown Picasso pieces in a Côte d’Azur villa, weaving a tale that spans decades and continents. The narrative intertwines historical accounts with a modern quest, bringing to life the passion and perseverance of those who uncover the truth behind the canvas.

The story is set in the not-so-distant future of the 2050s, when electric cars whiz silently past, cruise missiles fly between Earth and Mars, and artificial intelligence surrounds us. Everything from the earlier years, including items that are classic, old, and precious become even more special and almost unattainable. A secret legacy, the so-called legend of Picasso, has long intrigued the imagination of art collectors, and finally in the year 2050 the long-awaited discovery of this legend is revealed.

Boris Latsky; inventor, tech mogul, and billionaire, is not content with what he already owns. He needs more. He wants what is hard to come by, even for him: the original works of twentieth-century painters. The art-loving and flamboyant scholar has dedicated one of his latest inventions to this goal. If there are no original paintings in the present, Boris wants to get them from the past. Not content with anything less, he wants to uncover the legend of Picasso himself. After all, what good is all that accumulated knowledge if it is not used for something exciting and adventurous? Boris sets out to solve the mystery of time travel. He wants to travel to the past, not the future. And once he sets about the task, he solves it: he finds a way to travel back in time where he visits Picasso, the artist he admired most, in Paris in 1924.

Exactly one year later, in 1925, Picasso arrived in Antibes. There Boris was waiting for him, but he was not alone. Boris was with his beautiful ex-girlfriend, art historian Marilyn Hendrickson. Initially, everything seems to be going according to plan, but suddenly things get out of control, and the legacy is in jeopardy. He must act. He must act immediately and quickly!

When did you start writing the book?

In 2019

How long did it take you to write it?

Five years

Where did you get the idea from?

I started this book journey back in 2019 when I wrote a short story, Muse of Picasso, which became the core of the book. That same year, I attended a creative writing course and had an assignment to write a crime story. Since I love art, I wanted to create something related to it and began thinking about an art mystery involving lost artworks. Eventually, I came up with the idea of 100 lost Picasso paintings.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I have a psychological aspect in the book involving memory loss: the protagonist, Marilyn Hendrickson, suffers from memory loss and is working to regain her memories. My challenge was to create the perfect balance between the main plot and this psychological element.

What came easily?

The story itself came easily, along with the time travel element connecting 1920s Paris and the French Riviera. Imagining Picasso in a situation where he is tempted to learn about the future of art, as well as envisioning the future of art and its context in 2050, flowed naturally.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

One of my main characters is Pablo Picasso, while the other protagonists are fictional.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I have many favorite authors, but for this book, I was truly inspired by Alessandro Baricco, John Marrs, Audrey Niffenegger, and Naomi Wood.

Do you have a target reader?

Yes, my target readers are those who love historical fiction with a twist and enjoy novels with suspense.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I work simultaneously on multiple books. One is always well-developed, while another one (or two) is still in the early stages. When I get stuck with the well-developed one, I doodle ideas for the others and vice versa. With this method, I am always in the creative flow.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I outline my story in great detail, but I remain flexible. The story itself evolves over time, and sometimes, the characters demand a different turn. For me, the outline is important but adaptable.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I edit my manuscript multiple times. I read it aloud, edit, then rewrite it again.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes, I have a close friend with whom I work on all my books.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Sometimes. Lana del Rey is never disappointing.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes, I did. I sent my submission to many agents and publishers, but I haven’t received any responses.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I firmly believe that stories find the writers best suited to tell them. I dedicated five years to crafting this book beautifully and engagingly. It would be wrong to hold back such a unique story simply because I lack connections or fame. So, I decided to self-publish—and I enjoy every step of the process. I’ve learned how to edit, format, and convert my book into both e-book and paperback formats.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I am very creative and sometimes design my own covers. However, for this book, I chose a professional designer.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

Yes, I have a modest marketing plan.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Go for it! If you’re wondering whether you should publish your book despite the challenges, my answer is YES! Self-publishing and being an indie author gives you freedom and independence. It’s worth trying this beautiful journey of becoming an author.

About You

Where did you grow up?

In Hungary

Where do you live now?

In Switzerland

What would you like readers to know about you?

I have a lovely dog, Alma. Since she became part of our family, we have been happier and more whole.

What are you working on now?

• An autobiographical fiction about a religious topic (working title: Hallelujah).
• A family saga about German ancestors settling in Hungary in the 1750s (working title: The Tale of the Black Forest).

End of Interview:

Get your copy of Picasso’s Hidden Legacy from Amazon US or Amazon UK.